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The university logged more than 19,000 total flight hours in 2025, representing a 5 percent increase over the previous year and continuing a strong upward trend in flight activity. At the same time, flight course completions rose by 10.5 percent, reflecting stronger student progression across private, instrument, commercial and instructor courses.

Brian Neff, assistant dean of flight and operations, credits the results to the combined efforts of airport operations staff, flight instructors and students, whose coordination and commitment sustained training operations at a high level throughout the year.

“Every hour in the air and every completed course reflects teamwork,” said Neff. “Students, instructors and airport staff share responsibility for this success.”

A major driver of the year’s progress came from the college’s continued investment in its aircraft fleet. The modernized fleet improved aircraft availability, reduced downtime and increased scheduling reliability, directly supporting higher training capacity and improved student outcomes.

That operational strength is evident in the program’s maintenance performance as well. The number of aircraft returned from inspection rose significantly over the year, strengthening fleet readiness and reinforcing a culture of safety, compliance and operational excellence across the airport.

“These outcomes exist because the college and the university made a long-term commitment to the professional pilot program,” Neff said. “These investments translate directly into student success.”

Looking ahead, ����ֱ�� State’s aviation infrastructure will receive another major boost this summer with the airport taxiway improvement project. The initiative will enhance airfield efficiency, improve safety and expand operational flexibility, positioning the program for continued enrollment growth and future training demand.

Together, the investments in people, fleet and facilities continue to elevate ����ֱ�� State’s flight training enterprise and strengthen its role as a leading pipeline for the aviation workforce.